Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Sarah pov.

The house smelled like roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread, and the faint sound of laughter filled the air.

I was setting up the dining table when the doorbell rang. My friends had promised to come over for a small lunch, and even though I had planned everything carefully, I couldn't shake the nervous flutter in my stomach. Hosting anything felt like a big deal these days-I got tired so easily. But I missed my girls, and today felt like the perfect excuse to catch up.

"Coming!" I called out, adjusting a plate before hurrying to the door.

When I opened it, Tanya stood there with a big grin and an even bigger box wrapped in shiny paper. Behind her were Nina and Claire, both carrying smaller gift bags.

"Baby shower came early!" Tanya announced, stepping inside and kissing me on the cheek.

"Oh, come on," I said, laughing. "It's just lunch. No gifts necessary."

"Yeah, well, too late," Nina chimed in, holding up a bag decorated with tiny rattles and pacifiers. "This is happening whether you like it or not."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop smiling. These girls always knew how to make me feel loved.

The meal was simple but delicious. Roasted chicken, a hearty salad, warm bread-it was nothing fancy, but everyone seemed to enjoy it.

We sat around the table, talking and laughing like no time had passed since our last get-together.

"So," Claire started, leaning forward with a teasing smile, "any weird cravings yet? Pickles and ice cream? Peanut butter on pizza?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Nothing that crazy. Mostly fruit, honestly. Although there was this one night I really wanted mustard on crackers."

"Mustard?" Tanya asked, making a face. "That's... different."

he brought it to me anyway. That man

their own parenting stories. Tanya, who had two toddlers, shared a hilarious tale about her

yet, asked questions about everything from diapers to midnight feedings. Claire, the most experienced of the group, gave practical advice with the calm authority of

Claire said, pointing her fork at me, "everybody's going to have an opinion about how you should do things. But

to hear their

quiet again. I stood in the dining room, looking at the pile

clearing plates and wiping down

changes were obvious-my growing belly,

to go out all the time, meeting up with friends for coffee or shopping. But now, my energy was limited, and

the distance would strain our relationships. But today reminded me how strong those bonds

didn't care if I was too tired to leave the house or if I spent half the conversation complaining about swollen ankles. They just wanted to

I realized how lucky I was

called later

with a glass of water, Richard walked in. He had his hands behind his back,

are you up to?" I asked, narrowing my

your eyes," he

"Why?"

"Just do it."

but played along, shutting my eyes and holding out my hands. I heard the rustle of paper and

can

opened my eyes, I saw a folded piece of paper resting on

"What's this?"

read it," he said, sitting down

unfolded the paper and started reading. It was

Dear Baby, it began.